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Bon Secours Charity Health System Thanks Volunteers

MIDDLETOWN, NY (April 28) – Last year volunteers at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Suffern, NY; St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, NY and Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY donated 48, 248 hours of their time in service.

On April 22 these three hospitals of the Bon Secours Charity Health System invited volunteers to a Recognition Luncheon held at the picturesque Wallkill Country Club in Middletown, NY. It was an opportunity for Bon Secours Charity Health System senior administrators to express their gratitude to the many dedicated men and women, ranging in age from high school students to senior citizens, who donate their time and energy.

In a departure from previous volunteer events, this special day was organized as a theme luncheon in tribute to the famous child movie actress Shirley Temple, 85, and The Good Ship Lollipop, a song featured in her first film, “Bright Eyes.” And there was a surprise visit by ”Shirley Temple,” as played by luncheon coordinator Andrea Studnitzer, who handed out lollipops to all the guests.

Penny Mann, system director of volunteers, acted as emcee for the day and told her audience of volunteers that they were essential to the success of the Bon Secours Charity Health System and that their service had resulted in immeasurable savings in resources that can be employed to provide the best possible healthcare in each community where they serve. “Our hospitals are the good ships and you are the bright eyes,” she said.

Philip Patterson, CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System, first joked that he had never heard of Shirley Temple but then told a mostly senior audience that it was his grandmother’s favorite actress. On a more serious note, however, he thanked and praised the volunteers for their valuable service to the community. “We appreciate all that you do,” he said.

Jeff Reilly, senior vice president/administrator Bon Secours Community Hospital and St. Anthony Community Hospital, echoed those sentiments. “We could not survive without you,” he said. “You are the heart and soul of our organization.”

Deborah Marshall, vice president of public relations, marketing and strategic planning for Bon Secours Charity Health System, praised the volunteers for the important roll they play in helping to control expenses, which in turn, enables the organization to provide more services and maintain the highest quality healthcare. “We receive all kinds of honors,” she said, “and today, we honor you.”

The Above and Beyond award of excellence for the year went to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center volunteer Sam Yellen who stayed at the hospital and worked around the clock during Hurricane Sandy. “Helping other people is what I do best,” he said.

Volunteers Peggy Costic from Bon Secours Community Hospital, John Jelonek of Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center and Lucy Fischetti of St. Anthony Community Hospital received special awards and gifts for having served the most hours in their local hospitals last years.

During and at the conclusion of the event guests participated in a raffle for gift certificates and merchandise provided by local business.

“It’s wonderful that they do this for us,” said Patrick Colman of Warwick, a longtime volunteer at St. Anthony Community Hospital.

About Bon Secours Charity Health System

Bon Secours Charity Health System comprises Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Suffern, New York, and two community hospitals, Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, New York, and St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, New York.

Bon Secours Charity Health System also includes a certified home health agency, two long-term care facilities, an assisted living/adult home facility, and several other off-site medical programs.

The Health System, which draws its name from its two Catholic sponsors, the Sisters of Bon Secours and the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, serves nearly 1 million people. With more than 3,400 employees, the Health System is one of the region’s largest employers. For more information, visit bschs.bonsecours.com.

1. On April 22 the Bon Secours Charity Health System invited volunteers to a Recognition Luncheon held at the picturesque Wallkill Country Club in Middletown, NY.

2. Penny Mann, system director of volunteers, acted as emcee for the day.

3. Philip Patterson, CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System.

4. There was a surprise visit by ”Shirley Temple,” as played by luncheon coordinator Andrea Studnitzer.

5. The Above and Beyond award of excellence for the year went to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center volunteer Sam Yellen pictured with Penny Mann, system director of volunteers.

6. Volunteers Peggy Costic from Bon Secours Community Hospital, John Jelonek of Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center and Lucy Fischetti of St. Anthony Community Hospital received special awards and gifts for having served the most hours in their local hospitals last years.
From left, Amy Moore, volunteer manager for Orange County; volunteer Lucy Fichetti, AndreaStudnitzer, Gift Shop manager and Lynn Beers, volunteer coordinator for Good amaritan Regional Medical Center.
Peggy Costic and John Jelonek were not present for the photograph.